This article was updated on the 8th March 2026
This is for visitors to Mozambique from this list of countries who have decided to enter on the visa-free method to Mozambique.
Read this article to see if visa-free is the method you want to use to enter Mozambique.
If you are entering on a SADC passport, this is also visa-free (sorry, it is confusing, they use the same name for two ways to enter the country) but a different process and so you need to go to the SADC visa-free entry article.
If this is for you, then I will now explain how this process works and what you need to do to ensure a smooth entry into Mozambique.
The visa free process
Before you leave
You need to collect and print documents before you travel to ensure this goes smoothly. Some travellers are never asked for these documents, but some are, so it is essential to have them with you. Officially, all documents must be on paper. You may find a friendly border agent who accepts the documents on a phone screen, but they do not have to; having a paper copy is essential. Ensure you have one paper copy of the documents per person. You may have to go individually to the visa desk, and so one copy per person may be required. You also need to be be able to pay the fee, which is 650mts or $10 or €10. They accept cards (Maestro does not work well), but sometimes the card machines are not working, and so having a backup in cash is helpful. Mts Euros and dollars are accepted.
The documents
1. Return flight confirmation
If you are arriving by air, then you must have a return ticket showing that you are going to leave the country within 30 days of arrival. If you are arriving by land, this does not apply
2. Proof of accommodation
You need proof of accommodation. There are two options here
a) Accommodation booking
If you are staying in a hotel or other accommodation, you need proof of booking. Something like a printed email showing the details of the booking you have made. The guidance for how long this booking needs to be for, is vague. We have not heard of agents asking for proof of accommodation for the duration of a stay, but I would recommend having a booking for at least a few days. A single day's booking may be questioned.
b) Letter of responsibility (if you are staying with family or friends)
If you are staying with family or friends, then you need a letter of responsibility. This is a letter from your hosting stating that they will be responsible for you during your stay. This needs to be in Portuguese and have some specific information in it. I would also recommend getting the letter notarised, but it is unclear if this is essential. Enjoy Moz has a tried and tested letter template that you can download here.
If you are staying with family and friends, there is a further registration process that you are supposed to complete when you enter the country. You can find the full details of that process here.
At the departure airport
When checking in or when boarding the plane, you may be asked for your visa. You may need to explain that due to your passport, you are travelling visa-free and that you have the required documents. At this point, having the documents ready in a plastic folder helps to show you understand the process and are organised.
Arrival in Mozambique
Arrival by air
Upon arrival at the airport, travellers are sent in two directions. Those with a residency visa, those on a Mozambican passport, diplomats and visa-free SADC passport holders are sent directly to passport control. Those travelling visa-free(non-SADC) and with an ETA are sent to some desks that must be visited before passport control. The officers at these desks usually speak English. Explain that you are entering visa-free and hand over your passport. Have your other documents to hand in case they are asked for. They may simply ask where you are staying without asking for the documentation. You will need to pay when they ask. As explained above, you can usually pay by card, and this is referred to as POS. Although waving a card around will also get the message across. They will take your photo. You need to ensure you have two documents before you leave. Once is a receipt to show you have paid. I don't mean the card receipt; this is an official looking slip of paper stating that you have paid. You will also be given an A4 piece of paper with all of your details and your photo on it. Keep both of these pieces of paper safe. Once you have them, the process is complete. You then proceed to passport control, where you need to show your two pieces of paper, as well as your passport. They will stamp your passport. As soon as you recieve your passport check the stamp. It must be clear and have the correct date. If this is not the case it is vital to ask them to stamp it again. If the date is wrong they will sometimes manually change the date and initial the change.
Arrival by land
If you arrive by land, you need to complete the same process as above; however, it is all done with the agent who stamps your passport. There is no separate queue to complete the initial part of the visa-free process. You can learn more about crossing land borders into Mozambique here
Staying in Mozambique
Hotel
If you are staying in a hotel, lodge or other accommodation there is nothing further you need to do once you enter the country.
Staying with famiy or friends
If you are staying with family or friends you should register within 5 days of arrival. Read this article for the full details.
How long can I stay?
You can stay for 30 days, although this can be extended twice to a tial of 90 days. For full details see the 30 day article here. You can, within those 30 days leave and re-enter Mozambique with no problem. Simply ensure you show your two pieces of paper to the passport control staff when re-entering the country,
